“Everything else is about the manager of Manchester United. That is different, a different role.

“It was a difficult summer for us and we can all look back now and be ­satisfied, but at that time, to lose your main goalscorer on deadline day is not easy.

“So I well understand the feeling of Evertonians because it’s not towards David Moyes, the ex-Everton manager, but David Moyes the Manchester United manager. You need to ­understand that, that’s top and bottom.

“I’m sure if David Moyes had had a sabbatical year, now he would be very much loved by the fans. He would always be more than welcome at ­Goodison.